CHENNAI: The indefinite strike called by lorry operators will continue in Tamil Nadu despite the talks they held with the State government ending in success, as the contentious issue of hike in insurance premium remains unresolved after the simultaneous talks held in Hyderabad.
The strike that began on March 30 was called by South Indian Motor Transport Association (SIMTA) to highlight various demands, including a cut in third party insurance premium that has been increased by 50 per cent. In Tamil Nadu, the strike is supported by State Lorry Owners Federation - Tamil Nadu (SLOF- TN).
During the talks between the State Transport Department and the federation here on Monday, it was decided that the government would take steps to address their grievances including speed governors, hike in RTO fees and increase in fuel prices due to VAT.
Transport Minister M R Vijayabhaskar assured the operators that their issues like reducing RTO fees would be taken up with the Chief Minister and resolved soon. “Steps would soon be taken to fulfil their demands,” Vijayabhaskar told the media after the meeting.
However, the meeting in Hyderabad, between Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDA) officials and SIMTA office-bearers, was far from fruitful.
Speaking to Express, C Dhanaraj, secretary, SLOF-TN said, “The meeting with IRDA was not successful. Hence, our lorries will continue to remain off road.” He added that the next meeting has been fixed for April 5, until which about 4 lakh trucks will not ply in the State.